ground-hugging
|ground-hug-ging|
/ˈɡraʊndˌhʌɡɪŋ/
close to the ground
Etymology
'ground-hugging' is a modern English compound formed from 'ground' + the present participle 'hugging' (verb 'hug'), where 'ground' refers to the earth's surface and 'hugging' conveys closeness or pressing against.
'ground' originates from Old English 'grund' meaning 'bottom, foundation, earth'; 'hug' (verb) was influenced by Old Norse 'hugga' meaning 'to comfort' and developed in Middle and Early Modern English into senses of embracing and pressing close; the compound 'ground-hugging' arose in Modern English by combining the noun and participle to describe things staying close to the ground.
Initially, the parts meant 'earth/surface' ('ground') and 'to embrace/press close' ('hug'); over time the compound came to mean 'lying or designed very close to the ground' rather than literal hugging.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lying, spreading, or growing very close to the ground; not rising far above the surface (often used for plants, bodies, or objects).
The rock garden is planted with ground-hugging succulents that spread across the soil.
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Adjective 2
having a low profile or design that keeps it very close to the ground (used for vehicles, architecture, clothing, etc.); figuratively, modest or unobtrusive in height or presence.
The car's ground-hugging shape improves stability at high speeds.
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Last updated: 2026/01/04 20:35